New Delhi: In a major boost for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the playoffs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Hazlewood, who returned home when the league was suspended, is currently recovering from a shoulder injury and is making rapid progress towards full recovery.
Hazlewood missed RCB’s clash against Chennai Super Kings before IPL 2025 was suspended on May 09 due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The Australian pacer is currently training in Brisbane for Australia’s blockbuster clash against South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final next month.
RCB have not opted for a temporary replacement for the Australian pacer and are hopeful of him returning for the knockout stage of IPL 2025, which gets underway on May 29. RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat recently revealed that Cricket Australia’s medical team is monitoring Hazlewood’s progress and that RCB’s management is in touch with them regarding the pacer’s availability.
“Our medical team and their medical teams have been liaising on what that detail looks like, and he’s just taking it day by day,” said Mo Bobat.
Hazlewood has arguably been one of RCB’s best bowlers in IPL 2025 and has played a crucial role in their journey to the playoffs. The Australian pacer has picked up 19 wickets at an economy rate of 8.44 in 10 matches so far this season and is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the league despite having missed two matches.
RCB aim to clinch spot in top two
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be aiming to finish in the top two for the first time since IPL 2016. RCB are currently second on the points table with 17 points from 12 matches and have two matches remaining. They will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their 13th game of the season on Friday, May 23, before locking horns with Lucknow Super Giants in their final game of the season on May 27.
RCB will be guaranteed a spot in the top two if they win both their remaining matches. They might even clinch a top-two finish if they manage to win only one of their remaining two matches, depending on the results of the other teams.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have recieved a big boost ahead of the playoffs as a star Australian pacer is set to rejoin the squad ahead of the playoffs. RCB have already qualified for the playoffs and are battling for a spot in the top two. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
